Overview
- Naval Vessels Lürssen laid the second Class 424 Flottendienstboot keel at Peene‑Werft in Wolgast several months earlier than planned.
- The three 130‑meter ships are slated to replace the Oste‑class from 2029 under a roughly €3.26 billion contract that includes a training facility.
- Senior commanders said the vessels are essential for electromagnetic‑spectrum intelligence, including data collection in the Baltic Sea.
- Germany’s F126 frigate program has seen construction stall due to reported design‑software issues at prime contractor Damen Naval, and the ministry is examining an NVL takeover or a TKMS Meko A200 alternative after the budget committee cleared a path to fund another platform.
- NVL is expected to be sold to Rheinmetall in early 2026 pending antitrust approval.